NEWS IN BRIEF

WESTERLY HOSPITAL OFFERS SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

Westerly — Dr. Robert Harrison and registered nurse Dawn Odom will lead a 90-minute evidence-based QPR Suicide Prevention training from 6:30 to 8 p.m. May 31 in The Westerly Hospital’s Henry J. Nardone Conference Center.

The training is free and open to anyone.

Like CPR, QPR is a simple process anyone can be trained to use to help save the life of someone in crisis, the hospital said in a news release. It consists of questioning someone about suicidal thoughts, persuading them to seek help, and referring them for professional assistance.

Funded by the Rhode Island Department of Health and sponsored by South County Health Bodies, Health Minds and the QPR Institute, the training is being offered in response to Washington County’s high suicide rate, the highest in Rhode Island, the hospital said.

For information or to register, contact Dawn Odom at (401) 348-3425 or at dodom@westerlyhospital.org. Seating is limited to 30 registrants.

LAST GREEN VALLEY RELEASES NEW GUIDE

The Last Green Valley announced Monday that it has released its updated edition of “Explore,” a comprehensive and complimentary guide to outdoor, indoor, and around-town adventures in the National Heritage Corridor.

Covering 35 towns in eastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts, destinations in the magazine will connect readers with all of The Last Green Valley’s treasures. “Explore” contains increased content, including nearby places for hiking, community concerts, strolling, biking, paddling, swimming, learning, shopping and more, the organization said in a news release. For a complimentary copy, call (860) 774-3300. It can also be found at information kiosks throughout region.

For information, visit www. thelastgreenvalley.org, and on Facebook and Instagram.

MYSTIC RIVER AMBULANCE MEMBER AMONG HONORED

The state Department of Public Health on Monday kicked off National EMS Week, by honoring six emergency medical services personnel and one EMS organization at a State Capitol ceremony.

Among the honorees was George Fargo of Mystic River Ambulance. He received the Distinguished Achievement Award.

The theme of the event this week is “EMS Strong: Always in Service” and is a part of a larger campaign, EMS STRONG, by the American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, the health department said in a news release. Its purpose is to recognize and inspire EMS personnel and provide the EMS system greater visibility as an indispensable part of the healthcare continuum.

“Every day, the dedicated and committed volunteer and career EMS staff in our communities makes Connecticut’s EMS system work,” said public health Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino. “I am appreciative to the men and women who provide all Connecticut residents life-saving pre-hospital care twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Connecticut’s EMS providers responded to nearly 1.5 million requests for service in the last two years — a clear reminder that EMS is always in service. EMS personnel continually put themselves at risk to keep us safe, protect us from harm and provide oftentimes life-saving medical attention. I congratulate the recipients of the 2017 EMS Recognition Awards and thank all of the men and women who have chosen emergency medical services as their vocation.”

Other honorees were: the Manchester Fire-Rescue service, which received the Governor’s Award; Art Groux of Suffield EMS, who received Connecticut Public Health Commissioner’s Award; Helen “Bunnie” McQuilton of Stratford EMS, who received the Gillooly-Lawton Award; Laura Bramucci if Newington EMS, who received the George A. Ganung Volunteer of the Year Award; Erin Smith of Stratford EMS, who received the Distinguished Achievement Award; and Kevin Brown of Middlesex Memorial Hospital Paramedics, who received the Paul Winfield Smith Award. For information on the awards and EMS week, visit www.ctemscouncils.org.

This year as part of EMS Week, each weekday is dedicated to a specific focus. Monday is Education Day. Tuesday is Safety Tuesday. Wednesday is National EMS for Children Day. Thursday is Save-a-life Day. Friday is EMS Recognition Day. During the whole week, the American College of Emergency Physicians, in cooperation with American Medical Response and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, will encourage EMS Organizations and Community Leaders to join them in the “World CPR Challenge.” The World CPR Challenge aims to provide the most extensive bystander CPR trainings ever. For information, visit https://www. acepAlzheimer’s walk group to meet Tuesday

ALZHEIMER’S TEAM KICKOFF EVENT IS TODAY IN MYSTIC

Mystic — The New London Walk to End Alzheimer’s Past Team Kickoff is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. today at Academy Point at Mystic, 20 Academy Lane.

The event will give past teams the opportunity to come together, meet the Alzheimer’s Association Women’s Champions, pick up materials and kick off the 2017 New London Walk to End Alzheimer’s which is scheduled for Sept. 16 at Ocean Beach Park in New London. For information, contact Seana Dyer at: sdyer@alz.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. It can be reached at: (800) 272-3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter estimates there are more than 75,000 people in Connecticut with Alzheimer’s disease and a growing population of early onset Alzheimer’s in the state. There are 177,000 caregivers who provide more than 200 million hours of unpaid care each year to family, friends and colleagues. The Alzheimer’s Association offers care and support through the Helpline, support groups, care consultations and community education. For information, call (860) 828-2828 or visit alz.org/ ct.